On October 8, 2001, Independence Village in South Stann Creek, Belize was hit by Hurricane Iris. A developing commercial and political center, Independence Village is the capital of the Belizean Banana Industry and the closest commercial center for the sixteen clustered communities that house the industry's work force. The industries and communities both were severely impacted by the hurricane with damage to homes/buildings, agricultural lands, and road networks. Independence Village is asking for your assistance in their long-term reconstruction efforts. They aim to rebuild their homes and regain a sense of normalcy in their lives. Funds raised will be used to buy building materials for damaged homes. The community will contribute all the labor and a portion of the materials.